Pilgrims get a third tunnel to reach Mata Vaishno Devi

Millions of pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi every year have some good news. Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board has opened another tunnel to reach Mata Vaishno Devi.

Generally, to get a glimpse of Maa, devotees have to remain in queue for several hours. When you start your ascend from Katra, a queue of up to a km long or more is a normal sight. Once you get in and reach the top, you are required to take a ticket, which gives you an idea as to when you can enter the queue to get a chance to see the divine Goddess. The queue takes you through a narrow passage in a single line, and can take you over 30 min to finally get a glimpse of Mata Vaishno Devi.

With the opening of the new tunnel, the traffic can be eased considerably. The new tunnel is well lit and airy. It’s aim is to help reduce the wait time for the long queues.

A material ropeway has also been proposed between Siar Dabri and Bhawan and a passenger ropeway will also be constructed between Bhawan and Bhairo Ghat for the convenience of pilgrims.